Former Everton boss David Moyes has been keen on both Fellaini and left-back Leighton Baines following him to Manchester United from Goodison Park all summer, but infuriated bosses at his old club with a joint bid of £28m last week.

United have already seen interest in Cesc Fabregas and Thiago Alcantara fail this summer, as he looks to bolster his squad for the defence of their Premier League title.

But it now seems the Scot is on the brink of his first major signing since being named as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor earlier this summer, on the same day Chelsea’s pursuit of Wayne Rooney seemed to come to an end.